A very angry Severus Snape stormed into the Headmasters office. Albus looked up in surprise at his furious potions professor.

"Why, Severus my boy, whatever is the matter?"

"Don't you dare 'my boy' me, old man! I have been to see that child of yours. He is no longer living under that roof and he will not go back as long as I draw breath! I refuse to allow him to live with those miserable excuses of humanity!"

"Severus! You cannot separate a young boy from his family. I insist that you return him. There are protections set at that house with his aunt and uncle to prevent harm from befalling him. He needs that blood protection and as such, he cannot liver anywhere else, or even with anyone. I must say I am surprised at you Severus, I entrusted you with this task and you have let me down. It will take a lot of persuasion for his family to take him back now."

"I will do no such thing," Severus said coldly, "my son will be living with me. I refuse to take him back and I am ashamed of you that you wish me to."

"Severus, what are you talking about? Young Harry is the son of Lily Evans and James Potter."

"No Albus, Harry is my son. Lily and I were married although she left me on learning that I have taken the mark. But, today is his birthday, and four years and nine months ago, she was still my wife and we were happy! The boy is my son and heir and I will not give him up!"

"I…"

"He will be living with me in my quarters, and will stay with me throughout the school year." With that, Severus swiftly turned on his heel and left.

As he strode down the corridors to the dungeons, Severus began to re-evaluate his opinion of his mentor. Albus had always been there for Severus. He had offered a way out of his father's manipulations by giving him the teaching position at Hogwarts and had always been a shoulder for the young man to lean on. Severus couldn't imagine why the man had left a young boy in the care of those despicable people. Surely he must have known! As he stopped in front of the door to his quarters he made a mental note to confront Minerva about why she had never noticed anything before he stepped through to be back with his son. He stood by the door in silence watching as Harry chased his house elf, Minky, around the living room.

"Little Master…must…please…stop…and sit…be still!"

Harry giggled as he ran and Severus smiled to hear it. The boy had hardly smiled since they left the Dursley's.

"Harry?"

Harry stopped abruptly and looked up at Severus in fear.

"M' sorry!" He backed away up the wall behind him.

Severus felt guilt grip him. He had made his own son back away from him in fear. Tears crept into his eyes.

"Harry, child, no! I'm not going to punish you. Come here?"

He held out his arms and after a moment of hesitation Harry ran towards him and threw himself into Severus' arms. Severus held him close and savoured the feeling of having his son in his arms. Severus still hadn't quite come around to that fact yet. Harry was his son! His, and no-one would ever take him away. He pulled back to look at Harry properly.

"Now Harry, this is Minky, she is a house elf. If you need something then just ask her and she will get it for you. You must always be polite when you ask, as with any other person that you talk to. But she is not a toy and you must not chase her. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded furiously into Severus' chest. He smiled and, still carrying Harry, he walked over to the fireplace.

"There is somewhere that we need to go to Harry, but we will be travelling through fire. It is ok if you are scared but I will be with you the entire time. Will that be ok?"

Harry thought for a moment and then nodded. Severus took some floo powder and, throwing it into the fire, he yelled "Godric's Hollow, the home of Lily Evans." Green flames engulfed them and they were gone.

It was a smooth landing and Severus, after reassuring Harry, looked up at the house that had belonged to Lily, which now belonged to Harry. He walked up to the front door, which evidently still remembered his magical signature, as it swung open on its own. Severus took a deep breath and stepped inside. He walked to the front room, and dusting off the cobwebs and filth, set Harry down on an armchair.

"I have to look for a very important piece of paper, you can look around as much as you like but try not to break anything."

Harry nodded obediently and sat, looking around the room. Severus walked across the hall into the study. Harry was his son, he was sure of it, but that meant that there had to be a birth certificate. They could not be altered or faked as they used a drop of the newborn's blood to authenticate it. As he looked around the room sadly, thoughts of his beautiful wife flooded into his mind and slowly, tears began to form in his eyes as he remembered her.

Walking over to the bureau where Lily kept important letters and documents, he began to search. He uncovered various exam certificates from Lily's OWLs and NEWTs, which he looked over in fond remembrance. Finally, he found a sealed Ministry envelope with a distinctly official feel to it. Breaking the seal, he tipped out a sheet of parchment with grand lettering embossed across the top that read, 'Certificate of Birth'. He scanned the page for the information vital to himself.

'Male, born: July 31st, 1980. Named: Valconis Lucien Snape. Son of Lily Evans and Severus Octavius Snape.'

Severus didn't realise how long he had been sat staring at the parchment until two green eyes peered over it at him.

"You 'k?"

The small voice brought him back to the here and now. He smiled and patting his knee, said, "Come and sit with me, I have something very important to tell you."

As Harry settled himself, Severus wondered how in Merlin's name he could go about telling him.

"What do you remember about your parents, Harry?"

Harry thought for a moment and then shrugged "Nuffink."

"Did your aunt and uncle never talk about them?"

"Nope."

Severus sighed "Well, your mother was a very beautiful lady who was very kind. But, sadly, she died three years ago when you were only one. That is why you went to live with your aunt and uncle."

"But, what bout Papa?"

"Your papa was in danger and had to hide a lot, but he is no longer in danger. He is safe again."

Harry looked up at him with hope in his eyes "Are you my papa?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, we look same, and, you're nice!"

Severus smiled, "Yes my son, I am your papa and I promise never to leave you. I will always protect you."

Harry's face shone with wonderment and joy as he launched himself into his father's arms. Severus almost broke down into tears as he held the small body close to him. Finally he set Harry onto his knee and the young child looked up at his newfound father with love shining out of his eyes. Severus smiled and fell in love with the boy all over again.

"Harry, because I was in danger when you were born and could not care for you, you were given a new name to keep you safe."

Harry thought for a moment "'m not Harry?"

"No child, you're not. Would you like to know your true name?"

Harry thought for another moment and then grinned. He nodded vigorously.

Severus nodded in understanding at his son's eagerness. The muggles would have used his name as an insult and so it made sense that he would wish to be rid of it.

"Very well, your true and proper name is Valconis Lucien Snape."

Harry frowned, trying to say his new name. Finally, he managed proudly, "'coney Lu'sen 'nape!"

Severus had to stifle a laugh at his sons attempt. Slowly he went through the sounds that made up his new name until he could say them properly.

"I know you are young, but your name is a very important part of you and I would want you to be proud of it. However, I think for convenience that you should have a shortened form. Would you prefer Val or Luc?"

"Luc." He answered instantly.

Severus smiled again. "Your first name is admittedly a little cumbersome for everyday use. Very well my little Luc."

Luc grinned as his father said his name for the first time. "Love you Papa."

"I love you too my Luc, forever and always."

Luc cuddled into his father's chest and sighed with contentment.

Severus wasn't sure how long he sat there with his son, cradling the child as if would never let him go. This was what he had always envisioned his life to include. His son fit perfectly into the crook of his arm and snuggled adorably under his chin. After a while though, it was time to go back home to Spinner's End and so Severus carefully stood up and trying not to jostle Luc too much, he apparated away.